Signs are recurring objects in the Legend of Zelda series. These wooden boards are inscribed with useful information that can be read by pressing a game's action button while standing in front of them. In some games, signs can be destroyed or manipulated in other fashions.

Contents

Appearances

Signs can be found in both the Light and Dark Worlds. After Link rescues Princess Zelda from Hyrule Castle, Agahnim brands Link a kidnapper and traitor to Hyrule, and signs inscribed with Link's description and image can be found throughout the Light World. Signs can be picked up, thrown at enemies to deal damage, or be sliced and destroyed. The Lockpicker, a strange character found near the Desert of Mystery, will follow Link if he breaks his sign. Some signs depict Link as a thief.

On Koholint Island there is an area known as the Signpost Maze, which is filled with various signs. If Link follows the directions on the signs in the proper manner, a staircase leading to Mamu's abode can be found. Some signs in the maze are initially inaccessible, requiring Link to obtain certain items first.

Signs look and function the same in both these games. Link can destroy them both with his sword and different weapons. They can be repaired by playing either "Zelda's Lullaby" or the "Song of Healing" in Ocarina of Time and Majora's Mask, respectively. There are two types of signs in these games. The first kind is rectangular and can be destroyed and repaired. The second kind is skinnier and has an arrow point that typically shows the direction to a separate location. This type of sign will not be damaged by Link's attacks. The sign can be cut diagonally in Ocarina of Time, but this aspect of the sign was removed in the 3D version of the game.

Signs in The Wind Waker are nearly all wooden, and inscribed upon in Hylian. Link may cut these signs into several shapes using his sword and different techniques. Link may also destroy signs using a variety of weapons, like bombs. Some items, like arrows, are ineffective, and will, for example, stick to the sign instead.

If Link destroys a sign, he may magically recreate it using the Wind God's Aria to make the pieces hover back to the signpost and reassemble themselves.

Signs can be found in nearly every stage of the game. They introduce new areas and give warnings or advice about what can be found in areas ahead. Several signs feature newsletters written by Tingle called the Tingle Times.

Signs are placed near the entrances of areas, usually telling Link where he is and what main areas border the area. Interestingly, Link can pick up a sign with R and carry it around or throw it. He can also destroy them with his sword once he has learned the Rock Breaker skill.

Signs mark locations and important landmarks such as Death Mountain. Signs also often appear to give directions to different areas of Hyrule or post important messages. Link can slice the sign in many ways according to his sword strikes; a Roll Attack will shatter it in one hit. This also occurs if Epona gallops at a sign. Broken pieces of signs can be carried around. Hitting an enemy with a part of a sign deals damage, regardless of what part is used. However, there is no way to reassemble them without leaving the area and returning. The actual in-game sign models all read, in Hylian, "Signboard of Hyrule."

Signs reveal what is up ahead, as well as info about where Link currently is. Signs in this game come in two varieties. Signs found in caves and dungeons are commonly made of stone, while signs in the overworld are primarily wooden. Like its predecessors, the wooden sign can be cut in half, but it cannot be fixed until Link leaves the area and comes back to it.

Signs make an appearance all around Skyloft. Link can hit the signs with his sword to break them. Link can also roll into the signs to break them. Interestingly, while targeting a sign, Link can have Fi analysis it. If Link partially breaks as sign and tries to read it he will receive the message "The sign is broken. It's not possible to read it."

In addition to wooden signs, there are also signs made of stone (which Fi identifies as Stone Tablets) the are indestructible.

Fi's Notes

Sign

“That is a sign. Most often, it is used to convey written information or warnings about the immediate area.”

Stone Tablet

“This is a stone tablet. Depending on the location and intentions of the original author, important messages can be permanently chiseled on them.”

A Sign pointing the way to Hyrule Castle appears in Linkle's victory cutscene in both games and Linkle's Tale in Hyrule Warriors Legends. Humorously, Linkle fails to notice the sign and often ends up going in the direction opposite to where the sign is pointing to. This results in her finding herself becoming lost during her journey to Hyrule Castle.

In Hyrule Warriors Legends, signs from The Wind Waker appear on the Forsaken Fortress stage.